Apple's new larger iPad - the iPad Pro - will go on sale later this week, the technology company has confirmed.

Online sales of the iPad Pro - which has a 12.9in screen, more than 3in larger than a traditional iPad - will begin tomorrow, with sales in the company's retail stores beginning "later this week". Prices will start at £679.

The iPad Pro was first unveiled in September, with Apple chief Tim Cook confirming that a smart keyboard and stylus - known as the Apple Pencil - will also be available with the Pro.

The announcement of a stylus surprised some, after late co-founder Steve Jobs famously dismissed the accessory when unveiling the first iPhone in 2007.

However, the iPhone-maker says early feedback has been very positive.

Apple executive Phil Schiller said: "The early response to iPad Pro from app developers and our customers has been incredible, and we're excited to get iPad Pro into the hands of customers around the world this week.

"IPad Pro is the most powerful iPad we've ever made, giving users the ability to be even more creative and more productive with the epic 12.9in Retina display, powerful 64-bit A9X chip and ground-breaking Apple Pencil and new smart keyboard. We can't wait to see what they do with iPad Pro."

Both the accessories will need to be purchased separately, with the Apple Pencil costing £79, and the smart keyboard £139.

The iPad Pro is seen by many as Apple's entrance into the 'hybrid' computer market, where a device can function like a laptop with a physical keyboard, but also has a touchscreen.

Microsoft's Surface is already a prominent device in this market, and is seen as the biggest rival to the Pro.

Belfast Telegraph

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